Shabana Azmi, a beacon of cinematic brilliance and cultural significance, illuminated the Australian soil with the tri-colour, emblematic of India's rich heritage. The occasion was the prestigious 'The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023', where the iconic actress hosted the flag hoisting ceremony. As the tricolour fluttered against the Melbourne sky line, the shared emotions of patriotism and unity resonated strongly with attendees.

Shabana Azmi, a globally acclaimed artist, has not only etched her name in the annals of Indian cinema but also transcended borders, capturing the hearts of audiences across continents. Commenting on the ceremony, Shabana Azmi said, "To be having this honour to hoist the Indian flag, the flag that I’m so proud of, the flag all of us present today are proud of in Melbourne is an honour I never believed I could have. I would like to reiterate that we are here to celebrate Indian cinema in Melbourne, and I truly believe that art knows no boundaries and cinema can be an instrument for social change”.